SB570
HB 2978 has been introduced in the WV House of Delegates to expand the scope of practice for optometrists. We need physicians to contact legislators to oppose HB 2978.
Attachments to help you understand the bill and what to do:
- Summary details about the bill that you can use to oppose the bill.
- A sample letter to legislators is also attached for you to use--personalize the letter to your representatives...as different letters help explain the issue.
- Comparison of Educational Requirements
- Five Key Points for a WV Legislator to Consider
Please send letters opposing HB 2978 to members of the House Health and Judiciary Committees by March 18th. Please use the capitol address. You do not need to worry about the specific room number...as it will get to them at the capitol.
2009 House Health Committee List
2009 House Judiciary Committee List
The speculation is now over, we know what they are asking for and it is not good for the public of WV.
Optometry is expecting to have the most radical bill in the nation in West Virginia to perform surgery, give injections, and expand into all therapeutics (they previously wanted anticoagulants, benzodiazepines, and immunosuppressives). Now they want all therapeutics including schedule II drugs.
We ALL need to send emails, letters, and make phone calls. The legislators are often confused about who is who and what our training is. Remember to always be respectful, even if they disagree with our position, and talk about public and patient protections that will be removed from the current law. It is not the legislators that want this, but the optometry leadership. It will be in the Health Committee first and we will be circulating supporting materials regarding patient protections.
Thank you in advance for your help, this is a critical time!
If you want to contact your legislator, you can go to www.legis.state.wv.us and type in your zip code at the bottom of the page and your legislators will be listed. You can call or e-mail them from this contact information.
If you need additional information, contact the WVAO office at 304- 343-5842.
National Veteran Organization Letters opposing Optromertrist Surgical Privledges in Virginia Facilities from 2003-2004